National Scholars

Girls Incorporated Lucile Miller Wright Scholars Program

The Scholars Program was created in 1992 when Lucile Miller Wright, a long-time supporter of Girls Incorporated, made a bequest from her estate to fund scholarships expressly for young women members.

Since 1993, over $2.39 million in scholarships have been awarded to 387 high school women. Multiple scholarships ($2,500 and $15,000) are awarded each year and may be applied to tuition and expenses at any accredited 2- or 4-year college or university. This is a private scholarship, open only to young women who are in the 11th or 12th grade and who are members of a Girls Incorporated affiliate.

The purpose of the Scholars Program is to make post-secondary education more accessible by offsetting the financial costs. Our goal is to inspire members to succeed in school and to consider a broad range of career possibilities.

Scholars' Profiles - $15,000 Awardees

Tori Chen
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County, California
Grade: 12

"Eureka! ® has taught me to take the risks for what I want, to strive freely, to find success, and no matter what happens, to be myself always."

Tori credits her involvement in the Eureka! ® program, a component of Girls Inc. Operation SMART®, for affirming her career goal of becoming an accountant. She has overcome many challenges, including serving as a translator for her parents and sharing her earned income with her family, to pursue her goals and complete the four-year Eureka! ® program. Tori has a strong commitment to every task and interest that she pursues, whether helping her family, working an internship, playing sports, or volunteering at school. Tori describes herself as always pursuing her goals and finishing what she starts.

Krystin Edgerton
Girls Incorporated of Durham, Ontario, Canada
Grade: 12

"The right to be myself and to resist gender stereotypes... has helped me achieve so many things that otherwise people wouldn't think girls are capable of."

Through her involvement in Girls Inc. Operation SMART® and other Girls Inc. programs, Krystin says that she has become both a better student and a better person. In addition to going to school and maintaining leadership roles in several extra-curricular activities, Krystin has held a busy part-time job since the age of 16 and regularly volunteers to babysit free of charge for two families that are struggling financially. Her commitment to helping others is evident in her high level of volunteerism and leadership in several community events, including the completion of 120 hours of service in one month for a community Christmas event. Krystin is considering two possible career paths: professional writer, or actor.

Nadia Ensastegui
Girls Incorporated of Orange County, California
Grade: 12

"I am grateful for having Girls Inc. in my life and for the time that Girls Inc. devotes to all of us girls."

Like many of the girls and women in her life, Nadia witnessed and experienced violence from her boyfriend. Through her participation in Taking Care of Business,SM, a program component of Girls Inc. Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy®, Nadia learned that abuse is not part of a healthy relationship. Not only did she discover the courage and support to end her relationship with her boyfriend, she also confronted her father about his abuse toward her mother. Nadia's relationship with her father has become stronger, and the violence in their home has come to an end. Through Girls Inc., Nadia participated in an internship with a local law firm and developed her interest in becoming a lawyer. After the internship ended, she continued to educate herself about the court system, legal terms, and research methods, so she will be prepared to begin her college education.

Marquisha Grinton
Girls Incorporated of the Winston-Salem Salvation Army, North Carolina
Grade: 12

"Girls Inc. has given me countless opportunities to experience and achieve success without being ashamed of caring about excelling academically."

'Quisha has been involved with Girls Inc. for nine years as a participant, volunteer, and staff member. In addition to her involvement with Girls Inc., she has served as the captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and as President of her senior class. In her role as the first African American female class President, 'Quisha served as a positive role model for her peers. After high school, she plans to obtain a degree in early childhood education and development and to teach children with developmental disabilities - an interest strengthened by an internship opportunity through Girls Inc. To summarize her quest for success, her own motto is, "Never follow, always lead, and watch what's received!"

Alejandra Jauregui
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County, California
Grade: 11

"Being a part of Girls Inc. has been better than a rollercoaster, because there have only been ups and no downs."

Alejandra reflects positively on her involvement in two programs - Eureka! ® and the Girls' Advisory Project. Both programs have influenced her career choice of entering the fields of law and politics. Alejandra has set her sights on holding public office in order to better the current education system. The Girls Inc. Girls' Bill of RightsSM has helped Alejandra understand her rights, develop a positive self-image, and move toward her goals with confidence. Thanks to Girls Inc., "I am now better and am always there for myself; I am my own support team when no one else will join me," she says.

Linh Le
Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver, Colorado
Grade: 12

"Girls Inc. offers endless opportunities for girls to become strong, smart, and bold."

Inspired by her participation in the community service Girls' Action Project, Linh learned the importance of community service, while gaining confidence and courage and developing lifelong friendships. Education and success are important to Linh, but she also values the ability to share her success with others. As a result of lessons gained from Girls Inc. and observing her father's role in healing patients with traditional Chinese herbs, Linh plans to become a pharmacist. English is her second language, so Linh has dedicated many extra hours to improving her reading and writing skills, so she can achieve her goals of succeeding in college and one day having a positive impact on her community by opening a pharmacy that offers both traditional and modern medicines to its customers.

Helen Luna
Girls Incorporated of Orange County, California
Grade: 12

"I am excited to face my future and see my challenges become accomplishments. Girls Inc. was the second chance that I needed in life."

Participating in Taking Care of BusinessSM, a component of Girls Inc. Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy®, empowered Helen, after experiencing years of abuse, to recognize that she had control of her body and that she could look forward to a positive future. She now happily strives toward success by focusing on her education, working part-time to help support her own expenses, as well her familys, participating in school activities, and volunteering at Girls Inc. Her own history of overcoming an abusive background has led to her interest in a career in psychology, specializing in treating teens. "I will use my knowledge and empathy to treat my patients and be a successful psychologist," says Helen.

Allison Quintero
Girls Incorporated of Jackson County, Indiana
Grade: 12

"Not only have I benefited from the atmosphere [at Girls Inc.], but I have also benefited by talking with and mentoring other young girls just like me."

Allison has been a member of Girls Inc. for more than 11 years, as a participant, volunteer, and staff member. As a participant of Girls Inc. Corporate CampSM for Entrepreneurs, Allison joined selected teams of girls from Girls Inc. centers across the United States and Canada for a week in New York City to learn about entrepreneurship and business leadership. Her interest in the field of marketing was sparked by both the Corporate CampSM trip and her experience with giving presentations and speeches as a member of her schools club, Business Professionals of America. She enjoys the challenges of being involved in so many activities. "Taking pride in all that I do, I strive for the best and always try to reach my goals, no matter how hard I think it may be to reach them," says Allison.

Bernadette Ruberte
Girls Incorporated of Southwestern Connecticut
Grade: 12

"Girls Inc. has prepared me to be a leader, and I want to be part of my community's successful future."

Since the age of six, Bernadette has been a member of Girls Inc., growing, maturing, and developing a vision for her future. The once-shy girl who was afraid to try new things or get to know new people has grown into a young woman who serves as a strong advocate for the organization, often taking on leadership roles, and consistently serving as a role model for her peers and the younger members. Through her twelve years of membership and current staff position, Bernadette discovered her passion for working with children. She plans to study human development and family studies; her career goal is one day to return to Girls Inc. as the director of Girlstart, the afterschool program for girls ages five through ten.

Rita Sullivan
Girls Incorporated of Worcester, Massachusetts
Grade: 12

"Most importantly, I am not afraid to stand up for what is right. I am a strong, smart, and bold leader."

Rita's involvement with Girls Inc. dates back to her swimming lessons as a baby and has evolved over 17 years to include active membership, multiple volunteer roles, and a paid staff position. She literally grew up at Girls Inc.; her older sisters and mother were also active members and volunteers. Being one of seven children, Rita has strived to create her own identity. She has excelled in academics, participated in three different sports, and been active in many school and afterschool programs and organizations. Rita realizes that fulfilling her dream of becoming a child psychiatrist involves many years of education and training, but her desire to help children serves as her motivation for success.

Mercedes-Benz USA Scholarship Program - $10,000 Scholarship Recipient

Clarissa King
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, Texas
Grade: 12

"I believe I am going to become a living testimony of what Girls Inc. can do in a girls' life."

Clarissa says that Girls Inc. has had an enormous impact on the development of her values and outlook for the future. Clarissa became involved with Girls Inc. at the age of six, when she was removed from her home and a community filled with drugs, alcohol, violence, and gangs. With the help of the staff and through lessons learned from her participation in many programs and activities, she became a very strong and focused young woman. Her future goals include obtaining a degree in graphic design and business administration, followed by opening her own global advertising and printing company.

Ski Bailey
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, Texas
Grade: 12

"I have gained strength, courage, and wisdom from the staff, volunteers, and programs at Girls Inc."

Throughout her nine years of involvement with Girls Inc., Ski has been very active in many programs and volunteer roles. After losing her mother at a young age, Ski grew up experiencing homelessness, poverty, and insecurity. Positive experiences and support from Girls Inc. helped her overcome her background and challenging home environment. Through writing songs and poetry, she discovered an outlet to help her focus on her future. Her career goal is to become a journalist and to use her skills to help others understand different views on current events. "Girls Incorporated has opened my eyes to realize that I am the future, and to make a difference in the world, it's up to me," says Ski.

Ricci Beckner
Girls Inc. of Shelbyville & Shelby County, Indiana
Grade: 12

"With the support of Girls Inc., I have become a great leader with my confidence to inspire and help others grow into strong, smart, and bold women."

Girls Inc. has been helping Ricci develop her own character and self-confidence since she first joined to play tee ball at the age of five. She is now giving back to the organization by volunteering and coaching gymnastics, which plays a big role in Ricci's life. She has been an active member of her high school team and has strived to overcome a painful medical condition to pursue the sport she loves. Her career plan is to study health administration and one day coach gymnastics, either at Girls Inc. or at the high school level.

Taliah Buford
Girls Incorporated of Central Alabama
Grade: 12

"The positive experience that I gained from Girls Inc. led me to want to give some of my time back to Girls Inc."

After nine years of participating in Girls Inc. programming, Taliah became a volunteer, so she could help other girls experience the benefits she has enjoyed. She credits Girls Inc. with helping her establish a strong foundation for facing the challenges of being a teenager as well as for developing her interest in sports. Through her volunteer role, she has been able to help many individual girls become better people, just as Girls Inc. helped her. Taliah's educational goal is to major in computer science or electrical engineering, as she has been fascinated with electronics since she was a young girl.

Bristeria Clark
Girls Incorporated of Albany, Georgia
Grade: 11

"It is a privilege to be a part of Girls Inc. because it has so many benefits."

Bristeria's involvement with Girls Inc. since the age of seven has helped her become a strong, productive person who enjoys helping others. Her leadership and self-confidence contributed to her being selected to represent her high school in Georgia's statewide Governors' Honors academic competition. As a volunteer at the Girls Inc. center, she has enjoyed using her leadership skills to work with younger girls. She is empowered by the ability to make a difference in someone's life. Bristeria plans to become a registered nurse specializing in pediatric nursing.

Cynthia Davila
Girls Incorporated of the Island City, California
Grade: 12

"My participation at Girls Incorporated has & given me a lot of confidence and reminds me of the importance of friendship, trust, and respect."

Through Blue Print Action Group, a program of Girls Inc. of the Island City, Cynthia worked with other teens to address issues relevant to their peers. Her group chose the topic of body image in relation to eating disorders. She was able to research and learn about the issues and also to share her own personal struggle with anorexia. Overcoming an eating disorder has tested Cynthia's mental and physical strength and courage, has helped her better appreciate her life, and has motivated her to reach her future goals. Cynthia plans to major in biological sciences and pursue a career as a dermatologist.

Yakeima Hollimon
Girls Incorporated of Memphis, Tennessee
Grade: 11

"The staff at Girls Inc. has taught me that peer pressure can be resisted and overcome by embracing my personal power."

Yakeima credits her involvement in Girls Inc. with helping strengthen her self-confidence and set her own standards for a purposeful and service-driven life. For her future, she is considering two career paths--medicine and family law. Both careers would enable her to continue giving back to the community. She realizes the costs of her educational goals and feels confident in her ability to save and budget wisely to reach these goals. Girls Inc. Economic Literacy® has given Yakeima the skills to make smart decisions about her financial future.

Cecilia Laynez
Girls Incorporated of Greater Houston, Texas
Grade: 12

"I believe that the [Girls Inc.] Leadership Council experience was very beneficial because it taught me how to speak up more and not be so shy."

During her two years of membership, Cecilia participated in a variety of Girls Inc. programs and events. Finding her self-confidence and taking on leadership roles have helped her focus on her goal of obtaining a degree in business administration and opening her own business. Cecilia is described as a positive role model for the other girls and a responsible young woman who seizes the opportunities that will help her achieve her goals.

Kelti Owens
Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada, Brockville, Ontario
Grade: 12

"I have learned through Girls Inc. that in order to be yourself and give 100% all the time, you need to be confident and not be afraid to take chances."

Through more than eight years of membership, Kelti credits Girls Inc. with helping her build her self-esteem, become a more caring and understanding person, and increase her comfort level around other people. She has served as a spokesperson for the organization, at special events, going outside her comfort zone to give back to Girls Inc. Through her roles at Girls Inc. and leadership activities at school she has developed an interest in helping teenagers with behavioral issues. In the future, Kelti plans to become a psychologist, so that she can help young adults reach their full potential.

Erin Petty
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County, California
Grade: 12

"Since I have been a part of Girls Inc., I have grown to respect other ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs."

Through her role with the Girls' Advocacy Project, Erin has worked with other teen members to develop advocacy skills, voice her opinions, and take action on issues affecting teens in her community. Her top three priorities — an internship at a hospital, volunteering at her church, and serving as an anti-tobacco peer educator at her school — reflect her service to others. As a young girl, Erin observed the nurses who cared for her mother, who was ill and frequently in and out of the hospital. Upon her mother's death, Erin decided to pursue a career in nursing, to help others during times of pain and suffering.

Er'nyce Smith
Girls Incorporated of Memphis, Tennessee
Grade: 11

"At Girls Inc., I have acquired the skills to be a confident, economically secure, civic-minded, and personally responsible young woman."

For the past 11 years, Er'nyce has spent more than 25 hours a week at Girls Inc. She has participated in many programs and activities that have empowered her to make wise decisions about social, academic, and financial matters. Er'nyce plans to become an elementary school teacher and to call on the lessons learned at Girls Inc. to encourage her students to be the best they can possibly be.

Staphany Suarez
Girls Incorporated of Orange County, California
Grade: 12

"Girls Inc. has helped me to grow confidence, integrity, and my identity. They have also taught me to voice my opinions."

Staphany was one of 15 students chosen nationwide to represent her community and state in the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, largely because of the skills and self-confidence she developed through Girls Inc. programming. As a result of this opportunity, she has decided to pursue a career in journalism. Staphany's goal is to become a reporter for a national newspaper, eventually becoming a broadcast journalist for a Spanish-language network. Her roles with Girls Inc. and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy have taught her she is a strong role model, a bold woman, and a smart member of her community who has a responsibility to make people's lives better through teaching them and helping them share their voices.

Sari Sutton
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, California
Grade: 11

"From going to Girls Inc. as a child to volunteering as a teenager, it's now a part of my life that I can carry on with me through my teaching career and the rest of my life."

Sari participated in Girls Inc. programming as a young girl and then returned several years later to fulfill a service requirement for school. Her experiences helped spark her passion for helping young children and her desire to become a second grade teacher. Sari has thoroughly enjoyed watching, helping, encouraging, and directing children as they grow up. "I am able to stand up for myself with confidence and know I can accomplish my goals with hard work and perseverance," says Sari.

Kortney Unger
Girls Incorporated of Jackson County, Indiana
Grade: 12

"Girls Inc. has benefited me by the encouragement from all the staff and members that I can do and be all that I could ever dream of."

More than 12 years of membership in Girls Inc. have contributed to Kortney's positive attitude and excited outlook about her future. Her participation in Girls Inc. Corporate Camp for Entrepreneurs solidified her desire to major in finance and management and to pursue her career goal of becoming a president or CEO of a Fortune 100 company. Kortney has experience resisting gender stereotypes: she was the only girl at her high school to be selected to join the pole vaulting team, a sport traditionally dominated by boys. Now, she holds her school record and was the sectional champion. "I want to become an example to all young girls and show them that they too can do whatever they put their minds to."

Brittany White
Girls Incorporated of Jackson County, Indiana
Grade: 12

"Participating in [Girls Inc.] activities and classes, from the ages of five to 12, taught me the basics of sharing and cooperation."

Since the age of 12, Brittany has been a Girls Inc. volunteer and employee. She takes very seriously the fact that she is a role model for the younger girls, being aware of her actions both at the center and throughout her community. Brittany plans to study athletic training and sports medicine. She has been an active athlete and avid sports fan for many years. Her goal is to work for a professional sports team; working for the WNBA is her ultimate dream. "Setting goals is one way to be a successful person in life. If no goals are set, then there is nothing to work for," says Brittany.

Kelsey Wright
Girls Incorporated of Omaha, Nebraska
Grade: 12

"By being a member of Girls Inc., I fully know and understand what it means to have characteristics which will continue to be beneficial for me."

Kelsey has proudly utilized the traits of being strong, smart, and bold she gained from her 11 years of membership in Girls Inc. She has been the only African American member of her school's dance squad and has proudly shared her personal ideas and dance styles with her teammates. Kelsey's commitment to school, church, and community service led to her participation in the Global Young Leader's Conference, a national leadership conference—held in Washington, D.C. and New York—attended by teens from around the world. After high school, Kelsey plans to study business administration in order to manage her own cosmetology business.

Julieth Zapata
Girls Incorporated of Orange County, California
Grade: 12

"Girls Inc. has given me the tools to discover myself."

Growing up, Julieth thought her mother's continual involvement in abusive relationships was normal. After joining Girls Inc. and participating in Taking Care of Business , a component of Girls Inc. Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy®, she learned how to be in healthy relationships and how to protect herself from domestic violence and abuse. Her self-confidence and positive attitude are the results of the many wonderful lessons and opportunities she has received at Girls Inc., along with her involvement in basketball and in her church. Julieth plans to focus on women's studies in college, to help her reach her goal of starting a Girls Inc. affiliate organization. "I want to help all girls learn all of the lessons I did and more by sharing what I've learned and giving back to Girls Inc.," says Julieth.

Yingsi Zhang
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County, California
Grade: 12

"The girls in the [Girls' Advisory] Project — their drive, their dreams, their ambition — inspire me."

Yingsi credits Girls Inc. with helping her to overcome many challenges: an unstable home life, gender barriers, and low self-esteem. She has worked with other teens at Girls Inc. on community issues affecting their peers. In addition, Yingsi has been very active in expanding her advocacy efforts — she helped to create an organization at her school to educate others about issues that Ugandan children affected by war face. Her desire to help others has shaped her plans to concentrate on urban studies and politics both in college and in her career.

Patricia Zhong
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County, California
Grade: 12

"The Girls' Advocacy Project taught me how to reach out to the people around me and to take advantage of all of the opportunities that I am given."

Whether through Girls Inc. or through service organizations at school, Patricia has taken every opportunity to further develop her leadership skills, always pursuing the chance to help others along the way. She is the founder of "Interact Club," whose goal is to assist people in need throughout the world, including raising money and awareness about the issues in Darfur. Patricia plans to obtain a degree in psychology or sociology, with the goal of opening a free teen clinic to help those who are depressed and need guidance. Through trial and error, she has learned that "When I take chances and make mistakes, I will be able to expand my perspectives and gain new knowledge," says Patricia.